Team India fast bowler Mohammed Shami was at his personal best when he defended nine runs off the last over in the third T20I against New Zealand to drag the game to the super over. Eventually, Rohit Sharma smacked two sixes in the tie-breaker to help India pocket the series along with the match, but Shami's efforts didn't go unnoticed. Following his spectacular show, he earned praise from all squares including former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar.
Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson displayed some terrific batting skills to almost chase down the target of 180 runs set by India. But Mohammed Shami used his experience to perfection to defend nine runs off the final over despite going for six in the first ball of the over. New Zealand's poor run in the super over continued as they once again went down despite setting a target of 18 runs.
Following an emphatic victory, Shoaib Akhtar hails Shami calling him as the best fast bowler in the world currently. He also noted the Bengal cricketer as the best find for India who uses his brain while bowling. India will receive a massive boost with the emergence of Mohammed Shami with the ICC T20 World Cup lined up later this year.
“Shami is a very clever bowler. He is the find of India and he is the best fast bowler in the world. Whatever situation you put him in, he always excels, whether it’s a world cup or a T20 in New Zealand, he’s a very very smart fast bowler. When he got to know that yorkers won’t work, he immediately switched to length balls and bouncers,” Akhtar said in a video on his YouTube channel.
Furthermore, Shoaib Akhtar also expressed disappointment over New Zealand back to back defeats in super over. The home side will look to bounce back in the fourth match of the series later today in Wellington.
“I feel bad for New Zealand. All the memories of the World Cup crept up. You could almost feel the pain in their eyes,” Akhtar concluded.
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